Meng Xiaoshu: Exploring our souls

In this age of rapid development of artificial intelligence, reading is more important than ever before, says writer Meng Xiaoshu in her speech.

With AI tools generating content and recommendation algorithms promoting information to users, Meng addresses questions shared among many — whether it is still necessary to read, and whether it is too late to develop one's own understanding, judgement and worldview.

"Reading is not about acquiring information, because no one can access information faster than through algorithms. Reading is about fostering a deeper connection with the world and expanding the dimensions of our lives," she says.

"When we read novels, philosophy, history, among other books, we are not merely consuming knowledge. We are exploring our souls once and again."

According to Meng, readers are able to reflect on the author's arguments, or the emotional experiences of fictional characters, finding the similarities and differences between them and those of their own.

Rather than being constrained to personal experience, reading allows people to experience others' fate, era and life. In doing so, they preserve individuality and retain objective judgements within a world of complexity.

"AI can simulate knowledge, but it cannot expand the boundaries of one's inner experience," she says.

"Only by reading a vast number of books can we travel back and forth across different times and spaces, carrying with us thoughts, empathy, skepticism and imagination, seeing the world anew and reinterpreting ourselves."